The process of Fortified Wine production soon to be inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) is much more than just a competition, as demonstrated by this ambitious new initiative. Leveraging its international network and aiming to promote fortified wine producers, the CMB has built bridges between the leaders of prestigious wine appellations such as Marsala, Jerez, Samos, Madeira, and Porto. On Thursday, January 16, the Consortium for the Protection of DOC Marsala Wines invited representatives from Jerez and Samos to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at securing UNESCO recognition for the process of fortified wine production as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The fortified wines of Madeira and Porto have also been invited to join the project, which they will be able to integrate in the near future.

This recognition aligns with the goal of defending and promoting the invaluable historical, cultural, economic, architectural, oenological, agricultural, and gastronomic heritage of these five production regions, which form the “Sun Belt.” This sun-drenched climatic zone covers territories in southern Europe.

This initiative is a welcome step, as it will help rediscover the contemporary relevance of this wine style, particularly among younger generations.

Sicily to Host the CMB’s Sweet and Fortified Wines Session
As part of this effort to highlight fortified wines, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles will organize its Sweet and Fortified Wines Session from September 17 to 19, 2025 in Sicily. This unique competition will showcase the best wines in this category while celebrating the rich cultural and oenological heritage of these regions.

Press contact:
Benoît Carion
benoit.carion@vinopres.com